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Bouakaz A, Michel Escoffre J. From concept to early clinical trials: 30 years of microbubble-based ultrasound-mediated drug delivery research. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 206:115199. [PMID: 38325561 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasound mediated drug delivery, a promising therapeutic modality, has evolved remarkably over the past three decades. Initially designed to enhance contrast in ultrasound imaging, microbubbles have emerged as a main vector for drug delivery, offering targeted therapy with minimized side effects. This review addresses the historical progression of this technology, emphasizing the pivotal role microbubbles play in augmenting drug extravasation and targeted delivery. We explore the complex mechanisms behind this technology, from stable and inertial cavitation to diverse acoustic phenomena, and their applications in medical fields. While the potential of ultrasound mediated drug delivery is undeniable, there are still challenges to overcome. Balancing therapeutic efficacy and safety and establishing standardized procedures are essential areas requiring attention. A multidisciplinary approach, gathering collaborations between researchers, engineers, and clinicians, is important for exploiting the full potential of this technology. In summary, this review highlights the potential of using ultrasound mediated drug delivery in improving patient care across various medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayache Bouakaz
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.
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2
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Fang Y, Zhang G, Bai Z, Yan Y, Song X, Zhao X, Yang P, Zhang Z. Low-intensity ultrasound: A novel technique for adjuvant treatment of gliomas. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113394. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Rich J, Tian Z, Huang TJ. Sonoporation: Past, Present, and Future. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2022; 7:2100885. [PMID: 35399914 PMCID: PMC8992730 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202100885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
A surge of research in intracellular delivery technologies is underway with the increased innovations in cell-based therapies and cell reprogramming. Particularly, physical cell membrane permeabilization techniques are highlighted as the leading technologies because of their unique features, including versatility, independence of cargo properties, and high-throughput delivery that is critical for providing the desired cell quantity for cell-based therapies. Amongst the physical permeabilization methods, sonoporation holds great promise and has been demonstrated for delivering a variety of functional cargos, such as biomolecular drugs, proteins, and plasmids, to various cells including cancer, immune, and stem cells. However, traditional bubble-based sonoporation methods usually require special contrast agents. Bubble-based sonoporation methods also have high chances of inducing irreversible damage to critical cell components, lowering the cell viability, and reducing the effectiveness of delivered cargos. To overcome these limitations, several novel non-bubble-based sonoporation mechanisms are under development. This review will cover both the bubble-based and non-bubble-based sonoporation mechanisms being employed for intracellular delivery, the technologies being investigated to overcome the limitations of traditional platforms, as well as perspectives on the future sonoporation mechanisms, technologies, and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Rich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Zhenhua Tian
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Tony Jun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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4
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Highlights in ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction-mediated gene/drug delivery strategy for treatment of malignancies. Int J Pharm 2021; 613:121412. [PMID: 34942327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound is one of the safest and most advanced medical imaging technologies that is widely used in clinical practice. Ultrasound microbubbles, traditionally used for contrast-enhanced imaging, are increasingly applied in Ultrasound-targeted Microbubble Destruction (UTMD) technology which enhances tissue and cell membrane permeability through cavitation and sonoporation, to result in a promising therapeutic gene/drug delivery strategy. Here, we review recent developments in the application of UTMD-mediated gene and drug delivery in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, including the concept, mechanism of action, clinical application status, and advantages of UTMD. Furthermore, the future perspectives that should be paid more attention to in this field are prospected.
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Zhang N, Wang J, Foiret J, Dai Z, Ferrara KW. Synergies between therapeutic ultrasound, gene therapy and immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 178:113906. [PMID: 34333075 PMCID: PMC8556319 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Due to the ease of use and excellent safety profile, ultrasound is a promising technique for both diagnosis and site-specific therapy. Ultrasound-based techniques have been developed to enhance the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. In particular, transfection with exogenous nucleic acids has the potential to stimulate an immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Ultrasound-mediated gene transfection is a growing field, and recent work has incorporated this technique into cancer immunotherapy. Compared with other gene transfection methods, ultrasound-mediated gene transfection has a unique opportunity to augment the intracellular uptake of nucleic acids while safely and stably modulating the expression of immunostimulatory cytokines. The development and commercialization of therapeutic ultrasound systems further enhance the potential translation. In this Review, we introduce the underlying mechanisms and ongoing preclinical studies of ultrasound-based techniques in gene transfection for cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, we expand on aspects of therapeutic ultrasound that impact gene therapy and immunotherapy, including tumor debulking, enhancing cytokines and chemokines and altering nanoparticle pharmacokinetics as these effects of ultrasound cannot be fully dissected from targeted gene therapy. We finally explore the outlook for this rapidly developing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisi Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - James Wang
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Josquin Foiret
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Zhifei Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Li C, Hu S, Yue Y. Ultrasound Microbubble-Mediated VHL Regulates the Biological Behavior of Ovarian Cancer Cells. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:723-732. [PMID: 33261909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
According to the literature, the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene has a certain correlation with ovarian cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of ultrasound microbubble-mediated VHL on the biological function of ovarian cancer cells. Non-targeting lipid microbubbles and targeted lipid microbubbles were prepared. OVCAR-3 cells were treated with VHL mediated by ultrasound and microbubbles alone or together. Expressions of VHL, Akt, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction as needed. The effect of ultrasound microbubble-mediated VHL on the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration and invasion of OVCAR-3 cells was examined by Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay and Transwell. Compared with other treatment methods, ultrasound microbubble mediation enhanced VHL expression in OVCAR-3 cells. Overexpression of liposome-mediated VHL inhibited the proliferation and migration; caused cell-cycle arrest; promoted apoptosis: downregulated the expressions of MMP2, MMP9, E-cadherin, Akt and Bcl-2; and upregulated the expressions of VHL and BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) in OVCAR-3 cells. The effect of microbubble-treated VHL was similar to liposome-mediated regulation, while ultrasound treatment enhanced the effect of VHL on OVCAR-3 cells. More interestingly, ultrasound microbubble-mediated VHL had the most obvious regulatory effect on OVCAR-3 cells. Ultrasound microbubble technology increases the transfection efficiency of VHL into OVCAR-3 cells and enhances the effect of VHL gene on the biological function of OVCAR-3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Li
- Ultrasonography Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Suling Hu
- Functional Department, Baoding Infectious Disease Hospital, Baoding, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yan Yue
- Department of Gynaecology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
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Chowdhury SM, Abou-Elkacem L, Lee T, Dahl J, Lutz AM. Ultrasound and microbubble mediated therapeutic delivery: Underlying mechanisms and future outlook. J Control Release 2020; 326:75-90. [PMID: 32554041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Beyond the emerging field of oncological ultrasound molecular imaging, the recent significant advancements in ultrasound and contrast agent technology have paved the way for therapeutic ultrasound mediated microbubble oscillation and has shown that this approach is capable of increasing the permeability of microvessel walls while also initiating enhanced extravasation and drug delivery into target tissues. In addition, a large number of preclinical studies have demonstrated that ultrasound alone or combined with microbubbles can efficiently increase cell membrane permeability resulting in enhanced tissue distribution and intracellular drug delivery of molecules, nanoparticles, and other therapeutic agents. The mechanism behind the enhanced permeability is the temporary creation of pores in cell membranes through a phenomenon called sonoporation by high-intensity ultrasound and microbubbles or cavitation agents. At low ultrasound intensities (0.3-3 W/cm2), sonoporation may be caused by microbubbles oscillating in a stable motion, also known as stable cavitation. In contrast, at higher ultrasound intensities (greater than 3 W/cm2), sonoporation usually occurs through inertial cavitation that accompanies explosive growth and collapse of the microbubbles. Sonoporation has been shown to be a highly effective method to improve drug uptake through microbubble potentiated enhancement of microvascular permeability. In this review, the therapeutic strategy of using ultrasound for improved drug delivery are summarized with the special focus on cancer therapy. Additionally, we discuss the progress, challenges, and future of ultrasound-mediated drug delivery towards clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayan Mullick Chowdhury
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lotfi Abou-Elkacem
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Taehwa Lee
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Dahl
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amelie M Lutz
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Effect of acoustic standing waves on cellular viability and metabolic activity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8493. [PMID: 32444830 PMCID: PMC7244593 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65241-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Acoustic standing wave devices offer excellent potential applications in biological sciences for drug delivery, cell manipulation and tissue engineering. However, concerns have been raised about possible destructive effects on cells due to the applied acoustic field, in addition to other produced secondary factors. Here, we report a systematic study employing a 1D resonant acoustic trapping device to evaluate the cell viability and cell metabolism for a healthy cell line (Human Dermal Fibroblasts, HDF) and a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), as a function of time and voltages applied (4-10 Vpp) under temperature-controlled conditions. We demonstrate that high cell viability can be achieved reliably when the device is operated at its minimum trapping voltage and tuned carefully to maximise the acoustic standing wave field at the cavity resonance. We found that cell viability and reductive metabolism for both cell lines are kept close to control levels at room temperature and at 34 °C after 15 minutes of acoustic exposure, while shorter acoustic exposures and small changes on temperature and voltages, had detrimental effects on cells. Our study highlights the importance of developing robust acoustic protocols where the operating mode of the acoustic device is well defined, characterized and its temperature carefully controlled, for the application of acoustic standing waves when using live cells and for potential clinical applications.
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Abstract
The effect of local anesthetics, particularly those which are hydrophilic, such as tetrodotoxin, is impeded by tissue barriers that restrict access to individual nerve cells. Methods of enhancing penetration of tetrodotoxin into nerve include co-administration with chemical permeation enhancers, nanoencapsulation, and insonation with very low acoustic intensity ultrasound and microbubbles. In this study, we examined the effect of acoustic intensity on nerve block by tetrodotoxin and compared it to the effect on nerve block by bupivacaine, a more hydrophobic local anesthetic. Anesthetics were applied in peripheral nerve blockade in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Insonation with 1-MHz ultrasound at acoustic intensity greater than 0.5 W/cm2 improved nerve block effectiveness, increased nerve block reliability, and prolonged both sensory and motor nerve blockade mediated by the hydrophilic ultra-potent local anesthetic, tetrodotoxin. These effects were not enhanced by microbubbles. There was minimal or no tissue injury from ultrasound treatment. Insonation did not enhance nerve block from bupivacaine. Using an in vivo model system of local anesthetic delivery, we studied the effect of acoustic intensity on insonation-mediated drug delivery of local anesthetics to the peripheral nerve. We found that insonation alone (at intensities greater than 0.5 W/cm2) enhanced nerve blockade mediated by the hydrophilic ultra-potent local anesthetic, tetrodotoxin. Graphical abstract.
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Lu L, Chen H, Hao D, Zhang X, Wang F. The functions and applications of A7R in anti-angiogenic therapy, imaging and drug delivery systems. Asian J Pharm Sci 2019; 14:595-608. [PMID: 32104486 PMCID: PMC7032227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) are two prominent antiangiogenic targets. They are highly expressed on vascular endothelial cells and some tumor cells. Therefore, targeting VEGFR-2 and NRP-1 may be a potential antiangiogenic and antitumor strategy. A7R, a peptide with sequence of Ala-Thr-Trp-Leu-Pro-Pro-Arg that was found by phage display of peptide libraries, can preferentially target VEGFR-2 and NRP-1 and destroy the binding between vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) and VEGFR-2 or NRP-1. This peptide is a new potent inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis and a targeting ligand for cancer therapy. This review describes the discovery, function and mechanism of the action of A7R, and further introduces the applications of A7R in antitumor angiogenic treatments, tumor angiogenesis imaging and targeted drug delivery systems. In this review, strategies to deliver different drugs by A7R-modified liposomes and nanoparticles are highlighted. A7R, a new dual targeting ligand of VEGFR-2 and NRP-1, is expected to have efficient therapeutic or targeting roles in tumor drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hongyuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong University Affiliated Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Dake Hao
- Department of Surgery, UC Davis Health Medical Center, Sacramento 95817, USA
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Fengshan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Wang Y, Li X, Liu L, Liu B, Wang F, Chen C. Tissue Targeting and Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction Delivery of Plasmid DNA and Transfection In Vitro. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 13:99-112. [PMID: 32030111 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-019-00597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has been shown a promising approach for target-specific gene delivery and treatment of many diseases in the past decade. To improve the therapeutic potential of UTMD, the gene carrier of microbubbles should possess adequate DNA condensation capability and (or) specific cell or tissue selectivity. The tissue-targeted and ultrasound-targeted cationic microbubbles were developed to meet gene therapy. Methods A tissue-targeted stearic acid-inserted cationic microbubbles (SCMBs) were prepared for ultrasound-targeted gene delivery. Branched PEI was modified with stearic acid and further mixed with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) and biot-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy (polyethylene glycol)-2000] (ammonium salt) (Biot-DSPE-PEG2000), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) antibody and plasmid DNA to prepare cationic microbubbles through ultrasonic hydration. The ICAM-1 antibody and plasmid DNA were expected to assemble to the surface of SCMBs via biotin-avidin interaction and electrostatic interaction, respectively. Results It was found that the SCMBs had higher zeta potential compared with neutral microbubbles (NMBs) and cationic microbubbles (CMBs). In contrast, DNA incorporated SCMBs4 showed negative potential, exhibiting good DNA-binding capacity. Confocal images showed that the HeLa cells were attached around by the SCMBs4 from the view of green fluorescence of fluorescein isothiocyanate-loaded IgG which conjugated to ICAM-1 antibody on their surface. After ultrasound treatment, HeLa cells treated with SCMBs exhibited slightly stronger red fluorescence under confocal laser scanning microscope, indicating a synergistic promotion for transfection efficiency. Conclusions This tissue- and ultrasound-targeted cationic microbubble demonstrated here showed a promising strategy for improving gene therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518035 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Implant Devices, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Nanshan Hi-new Technology and Industry Park, Shenzhen, 518057 Guangzhou People's Republic of China
| | - Lanlan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Implant Devices, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Nanshan Hi-new Technology and Industry Park, Shenzhen, 518057 Guangzhou People's Republic of China
| | - Bingruo Liu
- Division of Engineering Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S2E8 Canada
| | - Feng Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, 603 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453002 Henan People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Kangning Hospital & Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, 518003 People's Republic of China
| | - Changsheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Implant Devices, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Nanshan Hi-new Technology and Industry Park, Shenzhen, 518057 Guangzhou People's Republic of China
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Xu W, Zhang X, Hu X, Zhiyi C, Huang P. Translational Prospects of ultrasound-mediated tumor immunotherapy: Preclinical advances and safety considerations. Cancer Lett 2019; 460:86-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Devulapally R, Lee T, Barghava-Shah A, Sekar TV, Foygel K, Bachawal SV, Willmann JK, Paulmurugan R. Ultrasound-guided delivery of thymidine kinase-nitroreductase dual therapeutic genes by PEGylated-PLGA/PIE nanoparticles for enhanced triple negative breast cancer therapy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2018; 13:1051-1066. [PMID: 29790803 PMCID: PMC6219432 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype. Since no targeted therapy is available, gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) could be an attractive strategy for treating TNBC. MATERIALS & METHODS Polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/polyethyleneimine nanoparticles (PLGA/PEI NPs) were synthesized and complexed with TK-NTR fusion gene. Ultrasound (US) and microbubble (MB) mediated sonoporation was used for efficient delivery of the TK-NTR-DNA-NP complex to TNBC tumor in vivo for cancer therapy. Therapeutic effect was evaluated by treating TNBC cells in vitro and tumor xenograft in vivo by using prodrugs ganciclovir (GCV) and CB1954. RESULTS TNBC cells treated with GCV/CB1954 prodrugs after transfection of TK-NTR-DNA by PEGylated-PLGA/PEI NP resulted in high apoptotic-index. US-MB image-guided delivery of TK-NTR-DNA-NP complex displayed significant expression level of TK-NTR protein and showed tumor reduction when treated with GCV/CB1954 prodrugs in TNBC xenograft in vivo. CONCLUSION US-MB image-guided delivery of TK-NTR gene by PEGylated-PLGA/PEI NPs could be a potential prodrug therapy for TNBC in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taehwa Lee
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Thillai V Sekar
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kira Foygel
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Wang S, Hossack JA, Klibanov AL. Targeting of microbubbles: contrast agents for ultrasound molecular imaging. J Drug Target 2018; 26:420-434. [PMID: 29258335 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2017.1419362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For contrast ultrasound imaging, the most efficient contrast agents comprise highly compressible gas-filled microbubbles. These micrometer-sized particles are typically filled with low-solubility perfluorocarbon gases, and coated with a thin shell, often a lipid monolayer. These particles circulate in the bloodstream for several minutes; they demonstrate good safety and are already in widespread clinical use as blood pool agents with very low dosage necessary (sub-mg per injection). As ultrasound is an ubiquitous medical imaging modality, with tens of millions of exams conducted annually, its use for molecular/targeted imaging of biomarkers of disease may enable wider implementation of personalised medicine applications, precision medicine, non-invasive quantification of biomarkers, targeted guidance of biopsy and therapy in real time. To achieve this capability, microbubbles are decorated with targeting ligands, possessing specific affinity towards vascular biomarkers of disease, such as tumour neovasculature or areas of inflammation, ischaemia-reperfusion injury or ischaemic memory. Once bound to the target, microbubbles can be selectively visualised to delineate disease location by ultrasound imaging. This review discusses the general design trends and approaches for such molecular ultrasound imaging agents, which are currently at the advanced stages of development, and are evolving towards widespread clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Wang
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - John A Hossack
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - Alexander L Klibanov
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA.,b Cardiovascular Division (Department of Medicine), Robert M Berne Cardiovascular Research Center , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
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15
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Mullick Chowdhury S, Lee T, Willmann JK. Ultrasound-guided drug delivery in cancer. Ultrasonography 2017; 36:171-184. [PMID: 28607323 PMCID: PMC5494871 DOI: 10.14366/usg.17021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in ultrasound and microbubble (USMB) mediated drug delivery technology has shown that this approach can improve spatially confined delivery of drugs and genes to target tissues while reducing systemic dose and toxicity. The mechanism behind enhanced delivery of therapeutics is sonoporation, the formation of openings in the vasculature, induced by ultrasound-triggered oscillations and destruction of microbubbles. In this review, progress and challenges of USMB mediated drug delivery are summarized, with special focus on cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taehwa Lee
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jürgen K. Willmann
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Izadifar Z, Babyn P, Chapman D. Mechanical and Biological Effects of Ultrasound: A Review of Present Knowledge. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:1085-1104. [PMID: 28342566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound is widely used for medical diagnosis and increasingly for therapeutic purposes. An understanding of the bio-effects of sonography is important for clinicians and scientists working in the field because permanent damage to biological tissues can occur at high levels of exposure. Here the underlying principles of thermal mechanisms and the physical interactions of ultrasound with biological tissues are reviewed. Adverse health effects derived from cellular studies, animal studies and clinical reports are reviewed to provide insight into the in vitro and in vivo bio-effects of ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Izadifar
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Paul Babyn
- Department of Medical Imaging, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Health Region, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Dean Chapman
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Tan JKY, Sellers DL, Pham B, Pun SH, Horner PJ. Non-Viral Nucleic Acid Delivery Strategies to the Central Nervous System. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:108. [PMID: 27847462 PMCID: PMC5088201 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With an increased prevalence and understanding of central nervous system (CNS) injuries and neurological disorders, nucleic acid therapies are gaining promise as a way to regenerate lost neurons or halt disease progression. While more viral vectors have been used clinically as tools for gene delivery, non-viral vectors are gaining interest due to lower safety concerns and the ability to deliver all types of nucleic acids. Nevertheless, there are still a number of barriers to nucleic acid delivery. In this focused review, we explore the in vivo challenges hindering non-viral nucleic acid delivery to the CNS and the strategies and vehicles used to overcome them. Advantages and disadvantages of different routes of administration including: systemic injection, cerebrospinal fluid injection, intraparenchymal injection and peripheral administration are discussed. Non-viral vehicles and treatment strategies that have overcome delivery barriers and demonstrated in vivo gene transfer to the CNS are presented. These approaches can be used as guidelines in developing synthetic gene delivery vectors for CNS applications and will ultimately bring non-viral vectors closer to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- James-Kevin Y Tan
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Drew L Sellers
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Binhan Pham
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Philip J Horner
- Center for Neuroregenerative Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute Houston, TX, USA
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Chertok B, Langer R, Anderson DG. Spatial Control of Gene Expression by Nanocarriers Using Heparin Masking and Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction. ACS NANO 2016; 10:7267-7278. [PMID: 27472268 PMCID: PMC5240524 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6b01199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We developed a method to spatially control gene expression following nonviral delivery of DNA. This method includes surface-modifying DNA nanocarriers with heparin to inhibit passive gene transfer in both the target and the off-target tissues and using ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) to selectively activate heparin-inhibited gene transfer at the target site. We observed that the engraftment of heparin onto the surface of cationic liposomes reduced off-target gene expression in the liver, a major site of nanoplex accumulation, by more than 700-fold compared to the nonheparinized PEGylated liposomes. We further observed that tumor-directed UTMD increased gene transfer with heparin-modified nanoplexes by more than 10-fold. This method augmented tumor-to-liver selectivity of gene expression by 4000-fold compared to controls. We conclude that heparinization of DNA nanocarriers in conjunction with localized activation of gene transfer by UTMD may enable greater spatial control over genetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Chertok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, MIT , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences & Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, MIT , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences & Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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19
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Mullick Chowdhury S, Wang TY, Bachawal S, Devulapally R, Choe JW, Abou Elkacem L, Yakub BK, Wang DS, Tian L, Paulmurugan R, Willmann JK. Ultrasound-guided therapeutic modulation of hepatocellular carcinoma using complementary microRNAs. J Control Release 2016; 238:272-280. [PMID: 27503707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Treatment options for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited, in particular in advanced and drug resistant HCC. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are non-coding small RNAs that are emerging as novel drugs for the treatment of cancer. The aim of this study was to assess treatment effects of two complementary miRNAs (sense miRNA-122, and antisense antimiR-21) encapsulated in biodegradable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA-NP), administered by an ultrasound-guided and microbubble-enhanced delivery approach in doxorubicin-resistant and non-resistant human HCC xenografts. Proliferation and invasiveness of human HCC cells after miRNA-122/antimiR-21 and doxorubicin treatment were assessed in vitro. Confocal microscopy and qRT-PCR were used to visualize and quantitate successful intracellular miRNA-loaded PLGA-NP delivery. Up and down-regulation of miRNA downstream targets and multidrug resistance proteins and extent of apoptosis were assessed in vivo in treated human HCC xenografts in mice. Compared to single miRNA therapy, combination therapy with the two complementary miRNAs resulted in significantly (P<0.05) stronger decrease in cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells as well as higher resensitization to doxorubicin. Ultrasound-guided delivery significantly increased in vivo miRNA-loaded PLGA-NP delivery in human HCC xenografts compared to control conditions by 5-9 fold (P<0.001). miRNA-loaded PLGA-NP were internalized in HCC cells and anti-apoptotic proteins were down regulated with apoptosis in ~27% of the tumor volume of doxorubicin-resistant human HCC after a single treatment with complementary miRNAs and doxorubicin. Thus, ultrasound-guided delivery of complementary miRNAs is highly efficient in the treatment of doxorubicin- resistant and non-resistant HCC. Further development of this new treatment approach could aid in better treatment of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayan Mullick Chowdhury
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tzu-Yin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sunitha Bachawal
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rammohan Devulapally
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jung Woo Choe
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lotfi Abou Elkacem
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Butrus Khuri Yakub
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David S Wang
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lu Tian
- Department of Health, Research & Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ramasamy Paulmurugan
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Jürgen K Willmann
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Chen HH, Matkar PN, Afrasiabi K, Kuliszewski MA, Leong-Poi H. Prospect of ultrasound-mediated gene delivery in cardiovascular applications. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 16:815-26. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2016.1169268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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21
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Wu L, Zhou WB, Shen F, Liu W, Wu HW, Zhou SJ, Li SW. Connexin32‑mediated antitumor effects of suicide gene therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma: In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:3213-9. [PMID: 26935255 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal hepatocytes express connexin32 (Cx32), which forms gap junctions at cell‑cell contact areas. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Cx32 mediates the cell death‑inducing effects of ultrasound microbubbles carrying the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV‑TK) suicide gene against hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. HepG2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of trans‑retinoic acid (ATRA) in culture, to evaluate the intrinsic antitumor effect of ATRA. Detailed in‑vitro and in‑vivo investigations on the antitumor effects of ATRA via Cx32 mediation were performed, and the possible underlying mechanisms of action of the compound were then examined. The gene expression of HSV‑TK transfected by ultrasound wave irradiation in the HepG2 cells was quantified using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The effects on cell death were assessed using an MTT assay. The protein expression levels of Cx32 in ATRA‑untreated or ATRA‑treated tissues were quantified by immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot assays. The HSV‑TK gene was successfully transfected into the HepG2 cell using ultrasound wave irradiation, and was stably expressed. Compared with the other groups, the HSV‑TK gene group treated with ATRA exhibited an increased number of apoptotic cells (P<0.05) and improved tumor suppression (P<0.05). ATRA significantly increased the expression of Cx32 in the hepatoma tissues (P<0.01). The present study demonstrated that ATRA elevated the protein expression of Cx32 and enhanced the bystander effect of the HSV‑TK/GCV suicide gene therapy system, which may provide a potential strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Experiment Center of Medicine, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442001, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Bo Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Experiment Center of Medicine, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442001, P.R. China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Experiment Center of Medicine, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442001, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Haikou Hospital of Maternal and Child Health, Haikou, Hainan 570100, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Wei Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Experiment Center of Medicine, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442001, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Ji Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Wei Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
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22
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Tan JKY, Pham B, Zong Y, Perez C, Maris DO, Hemphill A, Miao CH, Matula TJ, Mourad PD, Wei H, Sellers DL, Horner PJ, Pun SH. Microbubbles and ultrasound increase intraventricular polyplex gene transfer to the brain. J Control Release 2016; 231:86-93. [PMID: 26860281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the brain can be damaged or lost from neurodegenerative disease, stroke, or traumatic injury. Although neurogenesis occurs in mammalian adult brains, the levels of natural neurogenesis are insufficient to restore function in these cases. Gene therapy has been pursued as a promising strategy to induce differentiation of neural progenitor cells into functional neurons. Non-viral vectors are a preferred method of gene transfer due to potential safety and manufacturing benefits but suffer from lower delivery efficiencies compared to viral vectors. Since the neural stem and progenitor cells reside in the subventricular zone of the brain, intraventricular injection has been used as an administration route for gene transfer to these cells. However, the choroid plexus epithelium remains an obstacle to delivery. Recently, transient disruption of the blood-brain barrier by microbubble-enhanced ultrasound has been used to successfully improve drug delivery to the brain after intravenous injection. In this work, we demonstrate that microbubble-enhanced ultrasound can similarly improve gene transfer to the subventricular zone after intraventricular injection. Microbubbles of different surface charges (neutral, slightly cationic, and cationic) were prepared, characterized by acoustic flow cytometry, and evaluated for their ability to increase the permeability of immortalized choroid plexus epithelium monolayers in vitro. Based on these results, slightly cationic microbubbles were evaluated for microbubble and ultrasound-mediated enhancement of non-viral gene transfer in vivo. When coupled with our previously reported gene delivery vehicles, the slightly cationic microbubbles significantly increased ultrasound-mediated transfection of the murine brain when compared to commercially available Definity® microbubbles. Temporary disruption of the choroid plexus by microbubble-enhanced ultrasound is therefore a viable way of enhancing gene delivery to the brain and merits further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James-Kevin Y Tan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Binhan Pham
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yujin Zong
- Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Camilo Perez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Don O Maris
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ashton Hemphill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Carol H Miao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Thomas J Matula
- Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Pierre D Mourad
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hua Wei
- Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Drew L Sellers
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Philip J Horner
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Qin J, Wang TY, Willmann JK. Sonoporation: Applications for Cancer Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 880:263-91. [PMID: 26486343 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-22536-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic efficacy of both traditional chemotherapy and gene therapy in cancer is highly dependent on the ability to deliver drugs across natural barriers, such as the vessel wall or tumor cell membranes. In this regard, sonoporation induced by ultrasound-guided microbubble (USMB) destruction has been widely investigated in the enhancement of therapeutic drug delivery given it can help overcome these natural barriers, thereby increasing drug delivery into cancer. In this chapter we discuss challenges in current cancer therapy and how some of these challenges could be overcome using USMB-mediated drug delivery. We particularly focus on recent advances in delivery approaches that have been developed to further improve therapeutic efficiency and specificity of various cancer treatments. An example of clinical translation of USMB-mediated drug delivery is also shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Qin
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tzu-Yin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jürgen K Willmann
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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24
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Chen CS, Zhao Q, Qian S, Li HL, Guo CY, Zhang W, Yan ZP, Liu R, Wang JH. Ultrasound-guided RNA interference targeting HIF-1 alpha improves the effects of transarterial chemoembolization in rat liver tumors. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:3539-48. [PMID: 26664137 PMCID: PMC4669929 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s94800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate whether ultrasound-guided RNA interference (RNAi) targeting hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) can enhance the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and methods Rats with orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma were randomized to four groups and treated as follows: 1) control; 2) siHIF-1α; 3) TACE; 4) siHIF-1α+TACE. Lentivirus (4×108 transfection units) with or without small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression in 0.6 mL transduction reagent was injected into tumors using a standard 1 mL syringe under ultrasonic guidance. In the siHIF-1α+TACE and siHIF-1α groups, rats received siRNA-expressing lentivirus; the rats in the TACE and control groups received lentivirus without siRNA. TACE was performed by placing a microcatheter into the gastroduodenal artery. Results The median survival time, body weight, and tumor volume of the siHIF-1α+TACE group were better than those of the TACE, siHIF-1α, and control groups. A comparative analysis of the different treatment groups demonstrated that HIF-1α RNAi could downregulate the levels of HIF-1α and VEGF, inhibit tumor angiogenesis, and lessen metastases; all of these effects were enhanced by TACE. Conclusion HIF-1α RNAi, which was administered in vivo in liver tumors under ultrasound guidance, improved the efficacy of TACE in treating hepatocellular carcinoma in an animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Shi Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China ; Department of Radiology, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Qian
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Liang Li
- Department of Radiology, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Yang Guo
- Department of Radiology, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Ping Yan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Hua Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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25
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Novel delivery approaches for cancer therapeutics. J Control Release 2015; 219:248-268. [PMID: 26456750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Currently, a majority of cancer treatment strategies are based on the removal of tumor mass mainly by surgery. Chemical and physical treatments such as chemo- and radiotherapies have also made a major contribution in inhibiting rapid growth of malignant cells. Furthermore, these approaches are often combined to enhance therapeutic indices. It is widely known that surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy also inhibit normal cells growth. In addition, these treatment modalities are associated with severe side effects and high toxicity which in turn lead to low quality of life. This review encompasses novel strategies for more effective chemotherapeutic delivery aiming to generate better prognosis. Currently, cancer treatment is a highly dynamic field and significant advances are being made in the development of novel cancer treatment strategies. In contrast to conventional cancer therapeutics, novel approaches such as ligand or receptor based targeting, triggered release, intracellular drug targeting, gene delivery, cancer stem cell therapy, magnetic drug targeting and ultrasound-mediated drug delivery, have added new modalities for cancer treatment. These approaches have led to selective detection of malignant cells leading to their eradication with minimal side effects. Lowering multi-drug resistance and involving influx transportation in targeted drug delivery to cancer cells can also contribute significantly in the therapeutic interventions in cancer.
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26
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He Y, Bi Y, Ji XJ, Wei G. Increased efficiency of testicular tumor chemotherapy by ultrasound microbubble-mediated targeted transfection of siMDR1. Oncol Rep 2015; 34:2311-8. [PMID: 26352437 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The MDR1 gene encoding P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP-dependent drug efflux transporter and is related to drug resistance of yolk sac tumors. Drug resistence may be an important factor for the low efficiency of chemotherapy in the treatment of testicular tumors. P-gp, encoded by the MDR1 gene, is an ATP-binding cassette transporter. P-gp exhibits high expression in capillary endothelial cells of the testis and prevents the intracellular accumulation of chemotherapy agents in testicular tumor cells, resulting in drug resistance. In the present study, we aimed to use specific siRNA to silence the expression of the MDR1 gene and P-gp, leading to the reversal of multidrug resistance of testicular tumors and contributing a suitable condition for chemotherapy. Ultrasound microbubble-mediated delivery is a safe and effective tool for gene delivery. In the present study, we demonstrated that ultrasound microbubble-mediated delivery effectively improved the siMDR1 gene transfection in interstitial capillary endothelial cells of the testis, inhibited the expression of P-gp and increased daunorubicin accumulation. The testis tumor model was successfully constructed by injecting 1x10(7) yolk sac tumor cells in 3-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Ultrasound microbubble-mediated siMDR1 gene therapy improved the effect of chemotherapy on the testicular tumors. The testicular volume was reduced, the number of tumor cells within the testicular tissues decreased, and pathological changes were mostly recovered. Therefore, the present study indicated that ultrasound microbubble-mediated siMDR1 gene therapy in vivo reversed drug resistance by regulating P-gp expression, providing a promising method for the treatment of testicular tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun He
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Stem Cell Therapy Engineering Technical Center, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Yang Bi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Stem Cell Therapy Engineering Technical Center, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Juan Ji
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Stem Cell Therapy Engineering Technical Center, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Stem Cell Therapy Engineering Technical Center, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
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27
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Ultrasound molecular imaging of tumor angiogenesis with a neuropilin-1-targeted microbubble. Biomaterials 2015; 56:104-13. [PMID: 25934284 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound molecular imaging has great potential to impact early disease diagnosis, evaluation of disease progression and the development of target-specific therapy. In this paper, two neuropilin-1 (NRP) targeted peptides, CRPPR and ATWLPPR, were conjugated onto the surface of lipid microbubbles (MBs) to evaluate molecular imaging of tumor angiogenesis in a breast cancer model. Development of a molecular imaging agent using CRPPR has particular importance due to the previously demonstrated internalizing capability of this and similar ligands. In vitro, CRPPR MBs bound to an NRP-expressing cell line 2.6 and 15.6 times more than ATWLPPR MBs and non-targeted (NT) MBs, respectively, and the binding was inhibited by pretreating the cells with an NRP antibody. In vivo, the backscattered intensity within the tumor, relative to nearby vasculature, increased over time during the ∼6 min circulation of the CRPPR-targeted contrast agents providing high contrast images of angiogenic tumors. Approximately 67% of the initial signal from CRPPR MBs remained bound after the majority of circulating MBs had cleared (8 min), 8 and 4.5 times greater than ATWLPPR and NT MBs, respectively. Finally, at 7-21 days after the first injection, we found that CRPPR MBs cleared faster from circulation and tumor accumulation was reduced likely due to a complement-mediated recognition of the targeted microbubble and a decrease in angiogenic vasculature, respectively. In summary, we find that CRPPR MBs specifically bind to NRP-expressing cells and provide an effective new agent for molecular imaging of angiogenesis.
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28
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Oda Y, Suzuki R, Mori T, Takahashi H, Natsugari H, Omata D, Unga J, Uruga H, Sugii M, Kawakami S, Higuchi Y, Yamashita F, Hashida M, Maruyama K. Development of fluorous lipid-based nanobubbles for efficiently containing perfluoropropane. Int J Pharm 2015; 487:64-71. [PMID: 25841568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nano-/microbubbles are expected not only to function as ultrasound contrast agents but also as ultrasound-triggered enhancers in gene and drug delivery. Notably, nanobubbles have the ability to pass through tumor vasculature and achieve passive tumor targeting. Thus, nanobubbles would be an attractive tool for use as ultrasound-mediated cancer theranostics. However, the amounts of gas carried by nanobubbles are generally lower than those carried by microbubbles because nanobubbles have inherently smaller volumes. In order to reduce the injection volume and to increase echogenicity, it is important to develop nanobubbles with higher gas content. In this study, we prepared 5 kinds of fluoro-lipids and used these reagents as surfactants to generate "Bubble liposomes", that is, liposomes that encapsulate nanobubbles such that the lipids serve as stabilizers between the fluorous gas and water phases. Bubble liposome containing 1-stearoyl-2-(18,18-difluoro)stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine carried 2-fold higher amounts of C3F8 compared to unmodified Bubble liposome. The modified Bubble liposome also exhibited increased echogenicity by ultrasonography. These results demonstrated that the inclusion of fluoro-lipid is a promising tool for generating nanobubbles with increased efficiency of fluorous gas carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Oda
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery System, Faculty of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan
| | - Ryo Suzuki
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery System, Faculty of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Mori
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan
| | - Hideyo Takahashi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan
| | - Hideaki Natsugari
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan
| | - Daiki Omata
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery System, Faculty of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan
| | - Johan Unga
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery System, Faculty of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Uruga
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery System, Faculty of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Sugii
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery System, Faculty of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kawakami
- Analytical Research for Pharmacoinformatics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Medical and Dental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Japan
| | - Yuriko Higuchi
- Department of Drug Delivery Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Fumiyoshi Yamashita
- Department of Drug Delivery Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Hashida
- Department of Drug Delivery Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Kazuo Maruyama
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery System, Faculty of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan.
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Abou-Elkacem L, Bachawal SV, Willmann JK. Ultrasound molecular imaging: Moving toward clinical translation. Eur J Radiol 2015; 84:1685-93. [PMID: 25851932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound is a widely available, cost-effective, real-time, non-invasive and safe imaging modality widely used in the clinic for anatomical and functional imaging. With the introduction of novel molecularly-targeted ultrasound contrast agents, another dimension of ultrasound has become a reality: diagnosing and monitoring pathological processes at the molecular level. Most commonly used ultrasound molecular imaging contrast agents are micron sized, gas-containing microbubbles functionalized to recognize and attach to molecules expressed on inflamed or angiogenic vascular endothelial cells. There are several potential clinical applications currently being explored including earlier detection, molecular profiling, and monitoring of cancer, as well as visualization of ischemic memory in transient myocardial ischemia, monitoring of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease, and assessment of arteriosclerosis. Recently, a first clinical grade ultrasound contrast agent (BR55), targeted at a molecule expressed in neoangiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2; VEGFR2) has been introduced and safety and feasibility of VEGFR2-targeted ultrasound imaging is being explored in first inhuman clinical trials in various cancer types. This review describes the design of ultrasound molecular imaging contrast agents, imaging techniques, and potential future clinical applications of ultrasound molecular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotfi Abou-Elkacem
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sunitha V Bachawal
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jürgen K Willmann
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Drug release through liposome pores. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2015; 126:80-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2014.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Skin cancer and new treatment perspectives: A review. Cancer Lett 2015; 357:8-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Sanches PG, Mühlmeister M, Seip R, Kaijzel E, Löwik C, Böhmer M, Tiemann K, Grüll H. Ultrasound-mediated gene delivery of naked plasmid DNA in skeletal muscles: A case for bolus injections. J Control Release 2014; 195:130-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Tzu-Yin W, Wilson KE, Machtaler S, Willmann JK. Ultrasound and microbubble guided drug delivery: mechanistic understanding and clinical implications. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2014; 14:743-52. [PMID: 24372231 DOI: 10.2174/1389201014666131226114611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound mediated drug delivery using microbubbles is a safe and noninvasive approach for spatially localized drug administration. This approach can create temporary and reversible openings on cellular membranes and vessel walls (a process called "sonoporation"), allowing for enhanced transport of therapeutic agents across these natural barriers. It is generally believed that the sonoporation process is highly associated with the energetic cavitation activities (volumetric expansion, contraction, fragmentation, and collapse) of the microbubble. However, a thorough understanding of the process was unavailable until recently. Important progress on the mechanistic understanding of sonoporation and the corresponding physiological responses in vitro and in vivo has been made. Specifically, recent research shed light on the cavitation process of microbubbles and fluid motion during insonation of ultrasound, on the spatio-temporal interactions between microbubbles and cells or vessel walls, as well as on the temporal course of the subsequent biological effects. These findings have significant clinical implications on the development of optimal treatment strategies for effective drug delivery. In this article, current progress in the mechanistic understanding of ultrasound and microbubble mediated drug delivery and its implications for clinical translation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jurgen K Willmann
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5621, USA.
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